Bloody Minded Episode 46 - A PerPLEXing Journey | Introduction to Apheresis
May 20, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of apheresis, where blood components are transformed for better medical use. Discover how ancient practices trace back to Hippocrates while modern machines perform plasma exchange. Engage with the complexities of patient consent and potential complications, including citrate toxicity. The hosts blend humor and insight as they explore the procedure’s significance in treating conditions like sickle cell disease. Uncover the magic of separating blood into its components and the clinical guidelines that make it all possible.
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What Is Apheresis?
- Apheresis selectively removes blood components via an extracorporeal circuit to treat or collect specific blood parts.
- This method allows continuous blood processing and returning unaffected components to the patient or collection bag.
Vascular Access Essentials
- Secure reliable vascular access with two large cannulae or a dual-lumen central line for effective apheresis.
- Use central lines for repeated procedures to avoid vein damage and ensure high flow rates.
Replacement Fluids Importance
- Replace plasma volume removed during apheresis with fluids like 5% albumin or fresh frozen plasma to prevent volume depletion.
- Use cryodepleted plasma in TTP for better coagulation factor balance when available.